Michigan, US to partner to target disability fraud

August 15, 2014 | AP The state of Michigan and the federal government are partnering to launch a new unit to investigate and crack down on Social Security disability fraud.

Disability fraud can involve filing multiple applications, concealing work or other activities, and exaggerating or lying about disabilities.

The Social Security Administration has been doing cooperative disability investigations since 1997 and estimates $2.8 billion in savings to Social Security programs. Another $1.8 billion in savings are projected in related federal and state programs.

Government officials will detail their plans Friday in Detroit. Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan and Social Security administrators are expected to attend a media briefing.

The cooperative disability investigations program consists of 25 units covering 21 states and Puerto Rico.